Program availability

Your Preferences

Update your Zip code, preferred campus, and preferred program

Herzing University

What’s the biggest difference between working as an RT vs. RN?

Respiratory therapists focus on a patient’s breathing and specialize in respiratory/pulmonary procedures, while RNs provide a broader range of care with greater emphasis on holistic care of the whole person.

RTs can have a more clearly defined set of hands-on tasks they regularly perform, specializing in respiratory diagnosis, testing, and treatment.

RNs must be familiar with a wide scope of knowledge and procedures. While RNs can specialize in respiratory/pulmonary care, they can also specialize in many other areas and discover opportunities to advance their practice in the future.

What’s the biggest difference between working as a CVT vs. RN?

While cardiovascular technicians and technologists assist physicians in diagnosing and training heart disease and heart-related conditions, RNs provide a broader range of care with greater emphasis on holistic care of the whole person.

CVTs can have a more distinct set of hands-on tasks they regularly perform, trained for certain invasive or noninvasive cardiovascular procedures.

RNs must be familiar with a wide scope of knowledge and procedures. While RNs can specialize in cardiology, they can also specialize in many other areas and discover opportunities to advance their practice in the future.